UNDERSTANDING MY HEART - ANSWERS
A TREE AND ITS FRUIT
[READ] Key Scripture – Luke 6:43-45 “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
I. [read] WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO? Life consists of a thousand little moments… o The day-to-day circumstances I am involved in o The people I am involved with o All brought into my life by a Sovereign God
Every moment of my life I am either choosing to live for His Kingdom or for my kingdom of one. TWO KINGDOMS/TWO LIFESTYLES Kingdom of God Kingdom of Self/Satan Ministry Driven Manipulation/Me Driven His Spirit working in me vs. Indulge in sinful nature Serve God/Others Serve Self Sacrifice for God/Others What in it for me? Ruled by Love/Giving Ruled by Feelings/My Gain
A. [DON’T read] Getting to the Root: 1. Just as the sun always facilitates growth, trials always facilitate responses in me. 2. Many times my fruit (the result of what is being produced in me and what is coming out of me) is really the thorns of quarrels, conflict, distress, anxiety, worry, stress, etc. 3. The root issue…the reason bad fruit is being seen in my life… is my misdirected desires. 4. What is the source of my behavior?
James 4:1. From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members?
5. Bad fruit comes from a bad root. (Luke 6:43-45) See “The Three Trees” (Upcoming lesson)
B. [DON’T read] From Out of the Heart:
1. The desires from my heart shape how I act, speak, and think.
[READ] Matthew 15:15-20 KJV - Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
2 2. The things that proceed out of my mouth come from my heart.
Definition: “Heart” - (Hebrew--“LEB”). INNER MAN; MIND; THINKING; WILL; AFFECTIONS (DESIRES); MOTIVES (Proverbs 4:23, 1 Samuel 16:7, Luke 16:15, Matthew 12:35)
3. In my fallen, human state, even my good desires for enjoyment of the things of this world become easily misdirected. I will be prone to: a. Worship the creation more than the Creator. b. Respond sinfully when I don’t get what I want or when I’m afraid I’ll lose what I have. Romans 1:25 KJV - Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. James 4:2 KJV - Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
4. Condition of My Heart. [THIS IS HOW MY HEART LOOKS without God ruling it. MY Heart consumed with lusts (desires, drives, pleasures)…[CAN BE DESCRIBED AS…] is described in these six ways: a. Being in a state of spiritual adultery. Many verses on this Jer 3:20, Is 1:21; 57:8 James 4:4 KJV - Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Hosea 1:1-2 KJV - …And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, [departing] from the LORD.
1) Being outside of the covenant relationship with God where I seek love, security, comfort, and pleasure in something/someone other than God. 2) When I have mixed allegiances, spiritual unfaithfulness, or a wandering heart, I am guilty of spiritual adultery. 3) The feelings of emptiness and despair are signs that I have put my trust in something/someone that can’t sustain me.
b. Being a friend of the world. [James 4:4: Friend of world—enemy of God] [READ] 1 John 2:15-17 KJV - Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
c. Being hostile toward God. [Defined: enmity, alienated, hatred, opposed] Romans 8:7-8 KJV - Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. [HAVE YOU BEEN ANGRY WITH—HOSTILE TOWARD GOD?]
d. Being an enemy of God. DESCRIBES UNBELIEVERS. THANKFUL FOR ROM 8:1. NO CONDEMNATION—NONE LEFT! Colossians 1:21 KJV - And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Romans 5:8 KJV - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:10 KJV - For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 3
e. Being Proud. [READ] James 4:6 KJV - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Prideful/Humble Heart:
MY HEART CAN BE DESCRIBED AS… f. Being in a state of idolatry. Idols of my heart: 1) Viewing the world through what I want. 2) Anything I desire in addition to, in place of, or more than God. 3) I’m willing to sin to get what I want or to keep from losing what I have.
[read] Exodus 20:3 KJV - Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Ezekiel 14:1-11 KJV - Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn [yourselves] from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself: And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh [unto him]; That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD. Colossians 3:5 KJV - Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 4 WILL NEVER SATISFY! Heart of Idolatry: I want to: I turn to: I get more: • Feel better • Control Empty Because God is • Get relief from hurt, • Pleasure (sex, Lonely pain, suffering entertainment, Angry not enough: • Be “normal” etc.) Bitter • Get my life back • Comfort (food, Resentful • Have someone\ sleep, etc.) Discontent something change to • Ease Envious/Jealous My heart make everything ok • Possessions Discouraged searches • Fix myself • Relationships Despair/Hopeless for… • Be happy • Alcohol, drugs Self-pity • Be respected • Self-injury Withdrawn • Be appreciated • Avoiding people Suicidal thoughts • Be significant • Living by my Suicidal attempts • Be loved emotions
The Bitter Heart and Its Cure:
Hebrews 12:15
Questions: Examine My Heart for Idolatry: 1) Is there something that I love more than God or my neighbor? 2) What/Who do I want, desire, crave, long for, or wish for? 3) What/Who do I most worry about?
4) What/Who do I most fear? Also: What consumes by
5) What/Who “makes” me angry, frustrated, irritated? thinking day after day? 6) What/Who do I have that I’m afraid of losing? 7) What/Who do I think I need?
G. [DON’T READ] Consequences:
My desires and subsequent behavior bring various consequences to me:
“You do what you do and feel what you feel because you think what you think.” (Amy Baker)
What do you think about God? ______
In order to change MY behavior and the consequences it brings, I MUST CHANGE MY HEART! THIS Begins with what I think about…how I view GOD! [MY sinful thots, desires, behavior will bring:] 5 1. Emotional Consequence. a. I pursue what I want, when I want it, and when I don’t get what I want, this produces anger, bitterness, worry, fear, guilt, depression, a “noisy soul”, etc. b. My God-given emotions are not “damaged” (as psychologists would say)— they are actually working just fine! c. My emotions are a “red light” that something is wrong with my heart that God wants to correct/change. 2. Physiological Consequence. a. My physical body responds to what is going on in my heart: b. Illness, headaches, disturbed sleep, aches/pains, restlessness 3. Relational Consequence. a. The reason I am having battles with others is because of what is going on in my own heart! b. In reality, my greatest relational battle is that I am at war with God!
CONFESSION is the only way to deal with God relational wrongs between you and God and others. NOT trying to be nice & make up for Me You things…hoping God and the person you’ve offended will overlook/forget the offense. If I yell at my kids, I’ll make up for it by reading Problems in the home begin with problems in the heart! then a story. If I disrespect my husband, I’ll make up for it by making him a nice dinner. The Gospel changes everything! NO, I NEED TO CONFESS MY SIN OF anger and disrespect…then I’ll read the story and make Confession changes a relationships! dinner! WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU TRULY CONFESSED A SIN?
4. [THERE IS A…] Spiritual Consequence. [TO MY SINFUL THOTS, DESIRES, & BEHAVIOR] a. Lack of peace, rest, comfort from God b. Broken fellowship with the Lord c. Lack of joy d. Guilt, shame e. Unbelief/Doubt f. Lack of salvation assurance g. Avoid prayer, bible reading, church, other believers
II. [SO…] WHAT SHOULD BE MY DESIRE? A. God created humans to be worshiping beings. 1. God gave me a human spirit that will cause me to desire…to worship. 2. I will either desire God or something/someone else. James 4:5 KJV - Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? Colossians 1:16 KJV - For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [WHY DID GOD CREATE US? read] Isaiah 43:7 KJV - [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Ephesians 3:9-10 KJV - And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. Revelation 4:1 KJV - After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
6 3. I was created first and foremost to worship God and enjoy Him forever.
Westminster Shorter Catechism Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him? A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.
B. Is God Enough for Me? 1. My heart’s desire should be to delight in, love, glorify, please, enjoy God, etc. 2. The question at the beginning and end of my day should be: “Lord, how much did I desire, glorify, worship, enjoy You? “Lord, did I live today as if You alone were more than ENOUGH for me?”
Psalm 73:25 KJV - Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee. Isaiah 43:7 KJV - [Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Matthew 22:37 KJV - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 5:9 KJV - Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
C. [DON’T read] My Heart’s Response To Trials and Suffering: 1. When my worship is proper and correct… o Desiring, Delighting in, and Enjoying God… 2. And the trials of life come… o My first response (not my second or my last) to trials and suffering will be to think, act, and speak like my Savior.
D. Quieting My Noisy Soul: My proper worship and behavior will have positive consequences and blessings emotionally, physiologically (body), relationally, and spiritually. My noisy soul will be quieted. I will have the rest, peace, and joy promised by the Lord, who beckons and calls me to Himself. I will have a quiet soul that loves my neighbor. Matthew 11:28 KJV - Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Zephaniah 3:17. “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
E. Loving God and My Neighbor: Matthew 22:34-40 KJV - But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying, Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt
1. Who is my neighbor? (Spouse, child, boss, friend…anyone God puts in your life)
7 2. Definition—Love: The quality of my love for God can be measured by the love I have for others. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross defines love. Biblical correction is part of loving others. READ graphic
1 John 4:7-21 Romans 5:8
2. I will remain peaceful and continue to love and serve God and others even when… I don’t get what I want… Someone hurts or disappoints me.
F. A Noisy Soul Brings Unrest.
Definition—“Noisy Soul”. Self-absorbed. Sounds like clanging cymbals and a noisy gong that come from guilt, anxiety, anger, bitterness, despair, “addictions” (cravings for food, alcohol, drugs, shopping, sex…), entertainment: TV, movies, Internet, gaming…) that generate overwhelming noise of in my soul.
1 Corinthians 13:1 KJV - Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Definition: “Peace” – The calm assurance that what God is doing is always best.
John 14:27 KJV - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Philippians 4:7 KJV - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Responding to My Trials: Worshiping myself and turning to idols of my heart rather than God alone will bring on illness and disease. Physical pain can become worse by the way I respond to my trials. My trials will bring out responses in me--either righteous (good fruit) responses or unrighteous responses (bad fruit).
III. WHAT IS THE SOLUTION FOR MY TROUBLED HEART?
A. Start Here: James characterizes the solution as “submitting or humbling myself” before God.
James 4:7, 10 KJV - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 1 Peter 5:5 KJV - Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
B. 3 GODLY SOLUTIONS TO HEART PROBLEMS:
Solution 1. Resist the Devil (James 4:7) Fight the satanic, destructive pride. Satanic behavior is: I want to be God. I want to rule my kingdom of one. I am not God. We live in His kingdom, not ours.
How do I resist Satan? Word of God Luke 4:1-13 (Temptation of Christ) 8
Solution 2. Stop blaming others and take responsibility for my part of the problem. I must, first, take the log out of my own eye before I can help others with reconciliation and restoration.
Matthew 7:3-5. “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.’”
Solution 3. “Draw near” to God (James 4:8).
In the Old Testament, drawing near to God was coming near to hear and listen and apply what God had to say. I must seek out God’s Word as it applies to my heart and situations. I must align and submit myself to the Word of God (the standard for right living). I must submit myself to the Holy Spirit and God’s community of believers (wise counsel).
Hebrews 4:12 KJV - For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Psalm 73:28 KJV - But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Heart Change Comes Through:
Christ & His Word Holy Spirit God’s people (Counselor) speaking biblical truth into my life John 14:26 Rom 15:14 Eph. 1:17-18 Gal. 6:1-2 1 Cor. 2:10-13 2 Tim. 3:15-17 2 Pet. 1:3; Heb. 4:12
Solution 4. Cleanse your hands.
James 4:8 KJV - Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.
Once God’s perspective on the matter is believed, by faith, I trust that what God says and does is always best. Out of this comes true repentance (confession that brings change of heart, mind, and action), which causes me to worship Him appropriately.
Will the Biggest Sinner in the Room, Please Stand Up? Foundational: (See handout: “Chief of Sinners”, Desiring God) “I’m the “chief of sinners.” “Lord, You have shown me much mercy and grace.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16 KJV - This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Galatians 1:15 KJV - But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace… 9 Review conflict chart handout: “Getting to the Heart of the Matter.” (HANDOUT IN PACKET!] See computer file: “conflict getting to the heart of the matter graphic”)
C. The work of Christ (His Gospel) is the foundation for drawing near. The Gospel is who Christ is and what He has done. It is His: Handout: “The Gospel” Elyse Fitzpatrick Incarnation Sinless, Perfect Life A good question to always ask when trouble comes, when I’m Substitutionary Death discouraged, when angry… What about the Christ and His Gospel am I not believing? The Gospel rightly applied will ALWAYS TAKE US WHERE Bodily Resurrection WE NEED TO BE!! Ascension
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 KJV - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve… Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV - Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 5:4-10 KJV - And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
IV. 4 CONCLUDING QUESTIONS: [When I consider my heart…my thinking, my desires, my words, my behavior… these are good questions to ask:]
1. Is God Really Enough For Me? 2. Can my heart say this by how I’ve been responding to life? “LORD, You are amazing…You are more than enough for me!” 3. Do I want God to quickly rescue me by changing my difficult circumstances and/or the person I’m struggling with…or 4. Do I most want God to change ME and MY heart (how I’ve been viewing, thinking about, and reacting to God, others, myself, my life, and my circumstances)?
CLOSING PRAYER: “LORD, we’re here because You’ve brought us here today. Please work in us throughout these sessions…to bring heart change. Help us to see that our behavior will not…cannot change until we allow Your Word and Your Spirit to transform how we think about You, others, and ourselves. Amen” 10 Homework - PowerPoint Presentation:
In preparation for Friday: 1. Review today’s didactic. Highlight those things that stand out to you. a. What new things did you learn about God?
b. What new things did you learn about yourself and your heart?
c. What does God most want you to change?
2. Consider and respond to the concluding questions: 1) How has my life been revealing that God is Not Enough for Me?
2) What evidence in my life reveals that God is Enough for Me?
3) Do I want God to change my difficult circumstances and/or the person I am struggling with…or
4) Do I most want God to change ME and MY heart and how I have been viewing God, myself, others, my life, and my circumstances? Write your answer here:
3. [ESPECIALLY DO THIS! WE’LL BE MAKING APPLICATION OF THIS TOMORROW] Identity three current situations (trial, suffering, circumstances, difficult relationship, pressure, etc., in order of difficult that you, a loved one, or someone you are helping are currently experiencing or have recently experienced. (These may include: losses (relationship, job, finances, etc.), serious illness or disability, death of loved one, disaster, pain, addiction/craving (alcohol, drugs, gluttony, sex, entertainment, etc.), conflict, difficult marriage, divorce, rebellious children, unfulfilled long (lost hope or dream), inability to deal with the past, etc.)
1) 2) 3)
What have you/they done to resolve these problems?
How have you/they been responding emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually to these problems?